Despite the streets glowing with wealth, Abu Dhabi holidays are vastly different to those associated with the Middle East. Whereas renowned celebrity hotspot and neighbouring city, Dubai has become synonymous for its elaborate shopping and indulgence; there’s much more to experience in Abu Dhabi.
In addition to the many luxurious five-star-plus hotels and top class shopping experiences, the desert capital takes a different approach to tourism than its counterparts. Concentrating on the wider aspects of life and culture that surround it, this unique and beautiful city, will open your eyes to a world like no other.
Explore the desert
Surrounded by beautiful stretches of sand, the desert is a playground with much to offer in the way of attractions. Why not try a spot of dune bashing? You’ll enjoy a ride bashing against some of the highest desert dunes. Or try something a little bit more on the low key side like sand skiing or camel riding through the desert. You can also experience some Bedouin camps and stay in the desert overnight, here you can sip Arabic coffee or lounge in amongst plush cushions while you feast under the desert sky. With multiple places offering trips that incorporate all of this, you can spend the whole day (approximately 8 hours 30 minutes) having the ultimate traditional Abu Dhabi experience.
Explore the waters
To the other side of the city there’s the vast and glistening waters just waiting for you to delve in to. The clear and calm waters are perfect for exploring, with the underside of the sparkling surfaces filled with fascinating marine life. Try out some free diving, which allows you to swim endlessly underwater in an unchained and liberating way. You can do this with FreedivingUAE, who offer year round courses at all levels. But if the sound of holding your breath doesn’t appeal, then there are plenty of scuba diving courses from the likes of Empros, Arabian Divers & Sport Fishing Charters as well as the Abu Dhabi International Marine Sports Club.
Learn some history
Part of Abu Dhabi’s charm is the fact it concentrates on the past, as well as the present and future for tourists. Why not make it your mission to experience some of the great history that built this magnificent city and culture? Before the black gold started raking in the cash, the way of life here was much different, and the Heritage Village is an excellent place to experience this. You can enjoy this replica village filled with goat hair tents, a desert campsite, camels, traditional crafts and falconry displays to really get a sense of the traditional Bedouin way of life. Take another excursion into the desert and search for the nine ancient forts in the Liwa area. Built around 200 – 300 years ago by tribes for protection, the forts can be difficult to find, but are an excellent photo opportunity that need to be seen to be believed. Then there’s Al Jalili Fort, built in the 1580s during Portuguese occupation and overlooking the Sea of Oman, it also contains an exhibition on the Bedouin lives before oil wealth transformed the entire city.
Where will this magnificent city take you?